Approach to concurrent inguinal hernias during laparoscopic appendectomy for early appendicitis.

PURPOSE: Concurrent inguinal hernia can be a challenge for a pediatric surgeon during a laparoscopic appendectomy in children. We aimed to present our approach to inguinal hernias seen during laparoscopic appendectomy.

METHODS: In our pediatric surgery clinic between July 2019 and December 2022, the records of patients aged 0-18 who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were retrospectively investigated. The clinical findings, surgical procedure, and results of intervened inguinal hernia cases during laparoscopic appendectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS: Between the study dates, 293 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in our clinic. Patent processus vaginalis was observed in 5 (1.7%) cases. Laparoscopic hernia repair was performed with the Burnia technique in 2 girls. In one case, the omentum was herniated and adhered to the hernia sac seen during laparoscopy. In another case, swelling in the groin occurred during the introduction of air into the abdomen at the beginning of the operation. Patent processus vaginalis seen in 3 asymptomatic cases was not intervened. There were no postoperative complications or recurrences in the two patients who underwent hernia repair.

CONCLUSION: Hernia repair with the Burnia technique might be safely performed in symptomatic inguinal hernia cases seen during laparoscopic appendectomy for early appendicitis.